A&A GLOBAL INDUSTRIES builds on the popularity of its String Dolls with a second series featuring 12 new plush characters. The distinctive 8" dolls appeal to a wide audience and can be merchandised as an exclusive crane offering or mixed into existing inventory as a premium.

BMI MERCHANDISE continues to ride the Angry Birds wave. Card games, slap bracelets, wide rubber band bracelets and dog tag necklaces are among the new items for merchandisers and redemption counters. Perennial favorites from BMI include Disney novelties, made even more popular thanks to Disney's rerelease of "Beauty and the Beast" in 3D this month.

COAST TO COAST ENTERTAINMENT LLC is rolling out a new version of its super-value jumbo mix of 12" to 14" plush, with a 10% licensed density, at the low price of $1.99 apiece. Also new is a 30% licensed "jumbo plus" mix with 96 pieces ranging from 12" to 19" sizes. SpongeBob SquarePants, Looney Toons and The Simpsons characters, among others, are represented at $2.49 per unit.

HMS MONACO's latest electronics crane kit includes MP3 and MP4 players, and music and video player accessories (ear buds, headphones and a variety of stands for players).

REDEMPTION PLUS puts the spotlight on K-9 Kubes in February. It's part of the Lenexa, KS, supplier's Kit of the Month program, which features a monthly jumbo-size crane kit.